Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the most frequently cited Repetitive Motion Injury and represents the fastest growing sector of injuries in America today. Many triggers are attributed to CTS, including increased computer usage, ergonomic deficiency, and medical care focusing on treating the symptoms rather than preventing the condition. The term “carpal tunnel” describes the tunnel formed by wrist bones through which nerves and tendons travel from the forearm to the hand. Although nerve inflammation in this area is a common cause of CTS, additional factors are commonly associated, such as pinched nerves, the pectoralis minor muscle in the chest, rotator cuff issues and forearm muscles.

Repetitive friction of sensitive soft-tissues or chronic muscle tightness will initiate a cascade of irritation that ultimately leads to substantial pain and restriction of movement. Both of these conditions rob the soft-tissues of vital oxygen because of a decline in full muscle contraction and total relaxation. This diminishes the “pumping” motion that normally occurs within healthy muscle tissue. The tissue oxygenation deficit produces fibroblastic activity, and scar tissue forms. As the scar tissue builds, the carpal tunnel tendons solidify, which shrinks the available space for nerves. Ultimately, the competition for space within the tunnel results in nerve compression and CTS ensues. In short, it can take months, or even years before the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome present!

A combination of chiropractic adjustments and restorative Active Release Technique muscle therapy is often the most effective methodology. Scar tissue adhesions within and between soft-tissues are swiftly eliminated by implementing the Active Release Technique. This patented state-of-the-art soft tissue treatment method is designed specifically for repetitive motion injuries, and can often bring immediate relief.

How does it work?

The healthcare practitioner manually assesses the injury site. Then, an interactive treatment process in which both doctor (applies pressure) and patient (executes precise movement) takes place. Hence, every Active Release session is essentially a distinctive integration of diagnosis and treatment after which most patients realize increased strength and flexibility, and a significant reduction in pain.

As with any chiropractic procedure, addressing the source of the problem is crucial. A chronic joint dysfunction of the neck, shoulder, elbow or wrist can result in strained forearm muscles. Ignoring the symptoms can result in the aforementioned cascade of irritation, which leads to carpal tunnel syndrome. Chiropractic adjustments generally relieve the pain and restore balance to the supporting muscles. Treating only the muscle provides temporary relief, as does ignoring the muscles and treating only the joints.

Is Surgery an Effective Option in Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Surgical procedures have evolved over time to release carpal tunnel nerve pressure by permanently severing the ligament that supports the tunnel. However, the long- term success rate of such a procedure is low, as it fails to address the source and origin of the pain. Obviously, the carpal tunnel does not arbitrarily shrink on its own accord. Therefore, increasing the size of the tunnel only provides temporary relief as the tendons will expand again. As well, post-surgical scar tissue can also impede wrist and nerve function, resulting in additional nerve pressure.

Unlike many of Dr. Donath's patients who come to him after years of chronic back pain, I saw him immediately after injuring my spine - and I am very glad I did!
In March 2011, while moving a chair, I felt a sharp pain in my lower back that shot all the way down my right leg. It left me gasping for air and barely able to move. An urgent care doctor referred me to Dr. Donath, who kindly agreed to stay late in the office to see me right away. An MRI confirmed his diagnosis of a severe herniation in my L4/L5 discs - had I gone to an orthopedic doctor, I almost certainly would have had surgery immediately. Dr. Donath recommended Spinal Decompression instead. Amazingly, I started to feel better within days and stopped taking any pain medication after less than two weeks. Those 22 minutes became my daily moment of Zen! Because of the severity of the injury, I continued the treatment for ten weeks. There were some ups and downs during that time, but by the end, I was virtually without pain. Back trouble may be a lifelong issue, but this treatment and the right kind of exercise make it a manageable one.

I truly appreciate Dr. Donath's honest, thoughtful and thorough approach to treating his patients. Thanks to him and his lovely colleague Dr. Rambarat, I will be going skiing with my family this winter!

Kristin J. Rye, NY

Dr. Donath accommodated me for an emergency visit. I suffer from TMJ (jaw dislocation) and I was in pain. Dr. Donath was calming, simultaneously personal and professional, experienced and knowledgeable. After examining me, he explained, in a way I could easily understand, the mechanics of the jaw and what had happened. With an experienced and gentle touch, Dr. Donath realigned the joint. When I awoke the next morning, my husband asked how my jaw felt. "Jaw?" I looked puzzled. Thanks to Dr. Donath, I felt as if the misalignment had never happened. I was as good as new

Beverly S. Mount Vernon, NY

I have suffered from pain in my lumbar area for many years. The pain had increased to an unbearable level. After an MRI, I discovered I had degenerative and herniated discs.
I proceeded to have very painful spinal injections, which only temporarily relieved the symptoms. I had been reading about the spinal decompression technique and decided to give it a try.
Since April of this year I have been receiving the spinal decompression treatments from Dr. Donath. For the first time in over 30 years I do not suffer everyday of my life with back pain. The treatments are painless and relaxing. I recommend Spinal Decompression with Dr. Donath to anyone who has suffered from chronic back pain.

Karen C. Rye, NY

I am a 36 year old male who has had on and off back problems for at least 15 years. Until recently the pain was manageable. Then towards the end of 2007 I had severe pain in my back.The pain was so intense that I had to be rushed to the hospital. I was told I had a herniated disk in my back that caused the pain. My back did get better but in three months the pain was back and even the treatments I did that used to get my back better did not work. I was told I needed an operation. I heard about spinal decompression and looked it up. I found Dr. Donath's number and scheduled and appointment. During my visit, Dr. Donath explained my condition in great detail and instructed me on how his treatment would get me healthy. I noticed improvement after each treatment and about 2/3 into treatment I was virtually pain free. Now that I am done with the treatments I am back to normal. I would strongly suggest to anyone that has neck or back pain to look into seeing Dr. Donath. Especially those people who are told to have an operation. Dr. Donath's decompression treatment along with exercise schedule made me better and I believe he can do the same for you as well.

Chris T. Tappan, NY

Testimonial Disclaimer
The testimonials, statements, and opinions presented on our website are applicable to the individuals depicted. Results will vary and may not be representative of the experience of others. The testimonials are voluntarily provided and are not paid, nor were they provided with free products, services, or any benefits in exchange for said statements. The testimonials are representative of patient experience but the exact results and experience will be unique and individual to each patient.